NEW YORK – After weeks of warnings, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that SNAP benefits will not be issued in November if the government shutdown continues.
No SNAP benefits in November
What they’re saying:
According to a notice on the UDSA website, the department says no SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits will be issued on Saturday, Nov. 1.
MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 16: Boxes of sugary cereal, including those from General Mills, fill a store’s shelves on April 16, 2025, in Miami, Florida. As the federal government looks to cut the U.S. budget, companies such as General Mills may lose sales
The announcement puts the blame on Senate Democrats, stating: “They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance.”
Government shutdown affecting SNAP
Big picture view:
The government has been shut down since Oct. 1.Â
Democrats have refused to vote on legislation that would reopen the government as they demand funding for health care. Republicans say they are willing to discuss the issue later, only after the government reopens.
Because of the way SNAP is funded, it’s vulnerable to lose funding during the shutdown.